About Me
A customer service professional transitioning into IT.
I'm John, based in Calgary. After years in hospitality roles requiring strong communication, problem-solving, and reliability, I started building a homelab to learn IT/CyberSecurity hands-on experience. I now troubleshoot real hardware and software issues, run servers, and manage network services daily.
My goal is to leverage my customer service background and hands-on technical experience to transition into IT/CyberSecurity role. I am actively building enterprise network skills through a homelab running real infrastructure including managed switches, enterprise fiwalls and wireless systems. Currently studying for CompTIA Sec+, enrolled in SAIT's CyberSecurity Analysis program September 2026, and completing the Summer of CCNA 2026
Technical & Professional Skills
A blend of hands-on IT and customer-focused experience.
Windows 10/11 · macOS
Command Line (CLI)
Raspberry Pi · OpenWrt
VPN & Remote Access
Home Network Design
VLAN Basics
Plex · AMP
Tailscale · SSH
Mullvad WireGuard VPN
RAM / CPU Installation
Drive Configuration
Hardware Troubleshooting
- First point of contact experience similar to IT helpdesk support.
- Calm under pressure with clear and professional communication.
- Team coordination in fast-paced environments.
- Able to explain technical concepts to non-technical people.
Homelab Capabilities
Real-world IT operations running at home.
- Support multiple wired and wireless client devices across managed switches and access points.
- Maintain service availability across DNS, media, cloud storage, and game servers.
- Troubleshoot network connectivity, service downtime, and device access issues.
- Apply basic network segmentation and device management practices.
- Use command-line tools and logs to diagnose system and service issues.
- Manage and expand storage using Linux disk tools and fstab configuration.
Technical Projects
Hands-on projects demonstrating real IT experience.
- Operate a Linux-based homelab hosting multiple always-on services for daily personal use.
- Manage centralized DNS filtering with Pi-hole to improve network performance and block unwanted traffic.
- Deploy and maintain Nextcloud for private file storage and remote access.
- Run AMP for game server hosting and service management.
- Host Plex Media Server for local media streaming.
- Provide secure remote access using Tailscale and SSH.
- Monitor and troubleshoot services, connectivity issues, and device access.
- Built a portable VPN router using Raspberry Pi 4 and OpenWrt for encrypted internet access.
- Configured WireGuard VPN with Mullvad for privacy and security.
- Implemented a firewall-based kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
- Configured persistent routing and auto-start functionality for reliable operation.
- Troubleshot hardware compatibility issues and researched alternative solutions.
- Demonstrated systematic problem-solving through network diagnostics and log analysis.
- Learning enterprise access point deployment and configuration.
- Planning VLAN segmentation and multiple SSIDs.
- Studying PoE, RF behavior, and AP onboarding processes.
- Selected components and verified hardware compatibility.
- Assembled full system with cable management.
- Installed OS, drivers, and monitoring tools.
- Troubleshot RGB, BIOS, and driver issues.
Experience
Hospitality roles with strong IT support overlap.
- Acted as first point of contact for guests, resolving inquiries and concerns promptly.
- Coordinated with front desk and other departments to ensure a smooth guest experience.
- Maintained a professional and organized working environment at all times.
- Held progressive responsibilities requiring communication, attention to detail, and time management.
- Used mobile apps including Zello and HotSOS for real-time task coordination.
- Managed inventory and implemented efficient procedures for daily operations.
- High School Diploma — St. Mary's High School
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate
- CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 — In Progress
- SAIT Cybersecurity Analyst Program — September 2026
- First Aid & WHMIS Certified
- Class 5 Driver's License
Learning Roadmap
Where I'm heading next.
- Land first IT Support or Helpdesk role in Calgary.
- Pass CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam.
- Continue expanding homelab with cybersecurity projects.
- Begin SAIT Cybersecurity Analyst Program — September 2026.
- Grow into junior SysAdmin or Security roles.
- Build SIEM, firewall lab, and penetration testing projects.
- Move into a cybersecurity analyst or network security role.
- Earn advanced certifications such as CySA+ or CCNA.
- Run a fully segmented enterprise-grade homelab environment.
Contact
Open to IT Support opportunities in Calgary.